KATE NASH: UNDERESTIMATE THE GIRL: Yesterday Was Forever, But Tomorrow Looks Promising

Some may know Kate Nash for her hit phenomenon Kate Nash: Foundations. More recently others may know her as Rhonda Richardson, AKA Britannica, on the critically acclaimed Netflix series GLOW. As someone familiar with the latter version of Kate Nash, I didn’t have a clue of the story behind the actress, which makes the viewing experience all the more compelling. Like her character Rhonda, Nash has battled her way out of dire circumstances on more than one occasion, and has found herself at the center of something extraordinary, both in the music industry and on the screen.

From Myspace fame to international pop sensation to wrestling maven, Kate Nash has lead a pretty interesting life. Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl is an uplifting documentary that proves that even when your circumstances change for the worst, you can rise above them and come out renewed. A standout among the Los Angeles Film Festival’s documentary slate, this new film sheds light on the highs and lows of being an artist, and fighting to create in an industry that attempts to control its creators.

Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl follows its title subject on her journey to create art in an industry that’s dominated by men and also by those who try to squash authenticity. Stitching together footage and song lyrics from years of Nash‘s life, this documentary shares a vulnerability that’s often not seen from many artists today. Nash gets candid about the drawbacks of fame and working in the music industry, and crazily enough, it unfolds before our eyes.

Kate wrestles with fame, (mis)fortune, and sharing her art with the world

At the opening of the documentary, Kate Nash emerges as an ethereal punk space goddess and performs before a crowd of adoring fans. Prior to the show, she muses about her tug-of-war with the music industry. She states that music is her life, but what do you do when what you love tries to take that life?

A talent plucked from MySpace, Kate quickly rose to stardom with her song “Foundations” from her debut album Made of Bricks. Seemingly overnight, Kate became a pop sensation, winning the attention and hearts of fans all over the world. Unfortunately with sudden success comes a new set of problems. Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl is edited in such a way that it ties pieces of Kate‘s story with her lyrics and experiences. Transitioning from the present to the chaotic year of 2007, to 2010 and 2012, and then the past two years, Kate takes viewers through her life – detailing her experiences with massive success and change. The beginning is hopeful, but audiences are invited to learn how Kate got to that stage, and all the trials and tribulations she went through to be there.

From the beginning of her career, Kate refused to be placed in the box by the music industry. At the 2008 Brit Awards, Kate declared that “female is not a genre”. Tired of creating mainstream pop music, Kate fought to use her voice in the way she wanted. Due to creating music on her terms, Kate was dropped by her label. From then on, the documentary chronicles Kate‘s quest to put out music and tour without a label. Traveling the world with her awesome Girl Gang, Kate still manages to connect with fans.

As Kate navigates ways to make music, she lands in Los Angeles in search of better opportunities in the industry. She decides to expand her horizons, auditioning for films and TV shows, while continuing to find outlets for her music. Kate scores a publishing deal, but struggles to gain another recording contract, or a lucrative form of income. While she’s there, Kate‘s hit with a change in financial circumstances as she finds out her tour manager stole thousands of dollars from her. While she fights for her money back, Kate is forced to make some changes. Shortly after, she begins to sell her clothes, and attempts to find steady employment. Accustomed to her lifestyle in the music industry, Kate tries to live her life as “normal.” After struggling for some time, Kate decides to go back home to London. While she reunites with her family, Kate takes time to get her life back on track. As she recuperates, Kate is called back for a TV show – a big, female-lead, bad ass TV show. The rest of the story is fate.

Yesterday was forever, but tomorrow looks promising

Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl gives audiences insight into the wild world of the entertainment business. Through Kate‘s story, female artists will feel empowered and confident in their ability to achieve anything. They can also learn that it’s also possible to succeed outside the star machine that exists today. As Kate‘s career has faced a resurgence, it’s exciting to see where her career will go next. The Emmy-nominated GLOW has been ordered for a third season, and back in March of this year, Kate released her first album in five years entitled Yesterday Was Forever.

Forgoing the traditional methods of releasing an album, Kate turned to Kickstarter in order to remain independent. In her campaign, she declares the community as her record label, and they delivered. Since the album’s release, Kate has come back with a vengeance. With new tours, music videos, and gigs, Kate Nash is back on top. Now, she’s better than ever and here’s to hoping tomorrow is a hell of a lot better than yesterday.

How do you feel about Kate’s journey through the music business, and how she managed to become independent? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl is currently on the festival circuit. It debuted at the Los Angeles Film Festival on September 22, 2018.